AICTE Rolls Out Space Tech Curriculum with ISRO Chairman's Vision for Tomorrow’s Innovators

AICTE and Indian Space Association Exchange MoU to Promote Higher Education in the Space Industry. Check details here

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have marked a major milestone in advancing space education in India. To celebrate the first anniversary of National Space Day on August 23, 2024, AICTE, in partnership with ISRO, the Indian Space Association (ISpA), and IN-SPACe, hosted a one-day event titled "Creating a Space Ecosystem: A New Era—Igniting Young Minds for Space Exploration."

The event highlighted the launch of the AICTE Model Curriculum for Space Technology and the release of the book Introduction to Finite Element Analysis, co-authored by Dr. S. Somanath and Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair. Additionally, an MoU was signed between AICTE and ISpA to advance higher education in the space industry.

The event was graced by Dr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of the Space Commission, and Chairman of ISRO, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included His Excellency Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union; Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of ISpA; Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE; Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary of New & Emerging and Strategic Technologies at the Ministry of External Affairs; S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre; A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman of ISRO; Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd.), Director of ISpA; and Prof. Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary of AICTE.

Model Curriculum for Space Technology

During the launch of the book and Model Curriculum, the ISRO Chairman emphasized the critical role of space technology. He stated, “By equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are paving the way for our nation to further establish itself as a global leader in space technology. Space technology is not something that can be bought; it requires developing knowledge and skills within our system and institutions. The investment we have made in our space program has profoundly benefited society in terms of economy, job creation, disaster management, and natural resource management. This Model Space Curriculum will be crucial in producing the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders who will carry forward ISRO’s legacy of excellence.”

Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, addressed the gathering by recalling the Chandrayaan-3, a historic moment for India. He said, "by celebrating the 23rd of August as National Space Day, India not only honours its achievements in space but also reinforces its position as a leader in global space exploration. The celebration of this day aims to foster a deeper interest in space sciences among the public, especially the youth, and to highlight the pivotal role of space technology in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.”

Mr. J.D. Patil, Chairman, of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), stated, “We are dedicated to support the government’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in the space sector, which involves fostering indigenous capabilities, promoting self-reliance in critical technologies, and reducing dependence on foreign imports. ISpA is actively working to facilitate private sector participation in India’s space economy, and we believe that the synergy between government initiatives and private enterprises will be the key driver of innovation and growth in this sector. We need increased collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to foster innovation and accelerate technological development.”

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